“We played our songs and felt the London sky”
David Bowie was in London twenty years ago today (2nd December 1999), for his last London concert of the 20th century, with the now demolished Astoria as the venue of choice.
The show followed a signing session at the Virgin Megastore earlier the same day. The Astoria gig was part of a mini tour to promote "hours...".
A powerful 18-song set kicked off with an emotionally charged version of Life On Mars?, performed by David and Mike Garson. Here’s the full setlist:
Life On Mars?
Word On A Wing
Thursday’s Child
Ashes To Ashes
Survive
Can’t Help Thinking About Me
China Girl
Always Crashing In The Same Car
Something In The Air
Drive-In Saturday
Stay
Seven
Changes
Rebel Rebel
Encore:
Repetition
The Pretty Things Are Going To Hell
Cracked Actor
I'm Afraid Of Americans
The musicians for the mini tour were alphabetically: David Bowie (vocals, 12-string guitar), Sterling Campbell (drums), Gail Ann Dorsey (bass guitar), Mike Garson (keyboards), Emm Gryner (backing vocals), Page Hamilton (lead guitar), Holly Palmer (backing vocals) and Mark Plati (guitar, bass guitar).
Though filmed for Japanese TV, to the best of our knowledge the show was never broadcast.
Go here to view a few pictures taken at both events, twenty years ago today.
#BowieByBlam